Uttarakhand Becomes 6th Fully Literate State in India
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami celebrates Uttarakhand joining the ranks of fully literate states, shifting focus to digital and financial literacy.
In a landmark achievement for the Himalayan state, Uttarakhand has officially become the sixth fully literate state in India. Celebrating this historic milestone, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that while the battle for basic literacy has been won, the new frontier lies in ensuring every citizen is equipped with digital and financial literacy.
The announcement was made during a special programme held at the Mukhya Sevak Sadan at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office on Tuesday. The event served as a platform to felicitate neo-literates who successfully cleared examinations conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), proving that the thirst for knowledge knows no age.
A Triumph Over Challenging Terrain
Achieving full literacy in a state characterized by difficult geographical landscapes and remote mountainous regions is no small feat. CM Dhami credited the success to the collective determination of teachers, students, volunteers, and the citizens themselves. He noted that this milestone was achieved under the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Programme.
"After Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, Uttarakhand has become the sixth fully literate state in the country," the Chief Minister stated, highlighting how this distinction would bolster the state's ambition to lead in the education sector.
Beyond Reading and Writing: The New Literacy Goals
The Chief Minister delivered a powerful message regarding the evolving definition of education. He argued that in the modern era, literacy must extend far beyond the ability to sign one's name or read a book.
The new priorities for the state include:
- Digital Literacy: Ensuring citizens can navigate the modern technological world.
- Financial Literacy: Empowering individuals to manage their finances in a digital economy.
- Health Awareness: Integrating wellness knowledge into the educational fabric.
- Life Skills: Developing practical abilities to improve the overall quality of life.
"The focus must now be on taking digital literacy, financial literacy, health awareness, and life skills to every citizen," Dhami remarked, adding that the goal is to ensure no one is left behind by the rapid pace of technological change.
Government Initiatives Driving Educational Growth
To sustain this momentum, the state government is rolling out several key schemes aimed at improving the quality and inclusivity of education:
- Nanda Gaura Yojana: Providing vital financial assistance to eligible girl students.
- Digital Classrooms: Establishing virtual classrooms and central studios in 500 schools to bridge the gap for students in remote areas.
- Atal Utkrisht Schools: The operation of 189 specialized schools to enhance academic standards.
- Mukhyamantri Balashray Yojana: Ensuring free education for orphaned children.
- Modern Laboratories: Developing advanced lab facilities in 100 high schools and intermediate schools.
Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat also addressed the gathering, noting the massive mobilization required to reach this goal. He revealed that approximately 25,000 volunteers played a pivotal role in the campaign's success. Looking ahead, Rawat announced that the state has now set an ambitious new target: achieving 100 per cent literacy within the next six months.